phytoflagellate
/ˌfaɪtoʊˈflædʒəˌleɪt/
noun
- A microscopic organism that lives in water, has a tail-like part (flagellum) for movement, and makes its own food using sunlight, like a plant.
- Phytoflagellates are important because they produce oxygen in oceans and lakes.
- Some phytoflagellates can cause harmful algal blooms in warm water.
- Under a microscope, you can see a phytoflagellate swimming with its single flagellum.